Free Gambling Addiction Help in Las Vegas: Where Can You Find Hope?
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it is recommended to seek professional help.
There are numerous studies exploring how gambling can lead to addiction, focusing on the psychological, social, and neurobiological aspects. These studies often examine the changes in the brain associated with gambling, the psychological profiles of those most at risk, and the social factors that contribute to gambling becoming a pathological behavior. Here is a small sampling:
- How gambling affects the brain and who is most vulnerable to addiction. (APA, July/Aug 2023).
- “Gambling brain” studies make clear why it’s hard to stop rolling the dice. (Scientific American, Sept 2018).
- How the brain gets addicted to gambling. (Scientific American, Nov 2013).
- Gamble at your own risk: Knowledge of statistics may not keep people from gambling, but carefully designed warning messages might. (APA, Apr 2006)
- Risk factors for gambling disorder: A systematic review. (PubMed, Mar 2023).
In Las Vegas, where the allure of the jackpot is always present, the dark side of gambling addiction casts a long shadow over many lives. The problem affects not only the gambler but their families, friends, and the community at large.
Gambling addiction in Las Vegas can lead to financial ruin, broken relationships, and other psychological and physical health problems.
If you live in Las Vegas and are addicted to gambling, where can you turn?
Gamblers Anonymous in Las Vegas
Perhaps the most well-known resource in Las Vegas is Gamblers Anonymous of Southern Nevada.
If you are in need of immediate assistance
- Southern Nevada Gamblers Anonymous Hotline: (702) 529-0202
- National Gamblers Anonymous Hotline: (855) 222-5542
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1 – (800) – 273-8255
In Las Vegas, Gamblers Anonymous of Southern Nevada is a vital organization for those fighting gambling addiction. This group provides a network of support meetings, where individuals share their experiences and strategies for overcoming gambling’s grip. Their approach emphasizes mutual aid and confidentiality, offering a structured environment for personal recovery. Information on meeting schedules and locations can be found on their website, GASN.info, making it accessible for anyone seeking help to take the first step towards reclaiming control over their life.
Gamblers Anonymous 20 Questions: “Are You a Compulsive Gambler?”
The Gamblers Anonymous of Southern Nevada website, found at GASN.info, offers several resources, including a 20-question quiz. At the top of the quiz it says, “No-one can tell you that you are a compulsive gambler. You must make that decision for yourself.”
The GASN website includes a directory of Meeting Locations to help you find a Gamblers Anonymous meeting in Las Vegas and throughout Southern Nevada. It also provides information about the history of Gamblers Anonymous, the steps, and answers to commonly asked questions.
All Are Welcome: A Christian 12-Step Program in Las Vegas
Celebrate Recovery (website at celebraterecovery.life) offers a Christ-centered 12-Step recovery program “that integrates Biblical principles to love, heal and educate hurting people.” They meet at the Word of Life Christian Center on North Buffalo Drive (more information on the website). They don’t just help gambling addiction; they also provide Christian 12-Step help for alcohol / drug addiction, anger, codependency, food addiction, eating disorder, love & relationship addiction, physical-sexual-emotional abuse, and sexual addiction.
According to their website: “We aren’t meant to go through life alone! Celebrate Recovery is not only an environment for healing, but also a place to connect with people you can do life with. We provide a safe place to find community and freedom from the issues that are controlling our life.”
We spoke with Mike, who answers the emails pretty quickly if you fill out the contact form on their website, and he added a few things: “All are welcome,” he said. “No one is turned away. We meet every week without fail, and we even offer free food.”
Sunday Meeting Times:
- 1:00 p.m. – Food & Fellowship
- 1:30 p.m. – Large Group Meeting
- 2:45 p.m. – Open Share Groups:
Men & Women’s Life Issues
Men’s Addictions
Women’s Mental Health - 4:00 p.m. – Drinks & Dessert
Gam-Anon Las Vegas: Help for Family & Friends
What about the families an friends of gamblers? There’s help for them, too, with Gam-Anon.
The purposes of Gam-Anon include (paraphrased from the Gam-Anon.org website):
- Welcoming and giving assistance and comfort to those affected by someone else’s gambling problem.
- Sharing experience, strength, and hope in coping.
- Using the Steps and Tools of the Gam-Anon program, which nurture spiritual and emotional growth and recovery.
Visit the Gam-Anon.org website to find a wealth of information, or call their Las Vegas area hotline at (702) 529-0202. Their website includes a meeting directory, and articles such as “Growing Up With a Compulsive Gambler” and “Ten Good Things About Gam Anon.” Please note that the Las Vegas meetings may actually be in Henerson.
Conclusion
Gambling addiction touches every aspect of life. It’s important to acknowledge the courage it takes to face this issue head-on, and the strength it takes to seek help. Remember, reaching out for support is a sign of bravery, not weakness.
There are communities and resources available that understand what you’re going through. They can offer the support, understanding, and guidance needed to navigate this challenging time. Healing is a process, one step at a time, and it’s okay to lean on others for support along the way.
Take care of yourself and know that it’s okay to ask for help. There’s a whole community ready to stand by you, offering the compassion and support you deserve. Your journey matters, and so does your well-being.
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John 3:16.